Message in a Minute

Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!

Spiritual Reflection

“Eternal life is not a gift from God; eternal life is the gift OF GOD.”

Oswald Chambers

Discover New Covenant is this Weekend!

Saturday & Sunday, January 25-26, between Worship Services

Join us as we host our Discover New Covenant – a wonderful opportunity to explore the many ministry and mission opportunities available at our church. 

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s also about growing spiritually and improving your well-being. Studies show that volunteering can boost both mental and physical health by fostering meaningful connections and reducing feelings of isolation. It’s a chance to make a difference while also finding a deeper sense of purpose. 

At New Covenant, we’re blessed to offer a variety of ministries and missions that fit different talents, interests, and passions. Whether you feel called to work with children, care for our community, or support global missions, there is a place for your to serve. 

We invite you to join us this weekend to explore over 30 ministry opportunities, meet ministry leaders, and discover how you can make a difference. 

Come see where your passion can serve God’s purpose. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event!

The Villages Concert Band Valentine Concert

Thursday, February 13 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

Join The Villages Concert Band for a special Valentine Concert titled "Young at Heart", a delightful journey through music that captures the wonder, whimsy, and joy of youth! Featuring beloved tunes from The Wizard of Oz, The Wonderful World of Disney, The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Music of the Beatles, and Peter and the Wolf, along with playful selections like Cartoon Express and Circus Days, this concert will enchant audiences of all ages. Let the sounds of nostalgia and imagination bring out your inner child!

Tickets are required ($20).

Dissonance - A Play

Sunday, February 16 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

Please join us for "Dissonance," a 90-minute, two-person drama of Three Cord Productions, LLC that features Marci Duncan and Kerry Sandell, both Florida-based actors and writers. The play poses the question: Can a black woman and white woman, who have been friends for 20 years, have an open and honest conversation about race and have their friendship survive? Two women who met in graduate school and became godmothers to each other’s children have never had a conversation about race. They soon discover that having a very brutal and honest conversation may jeopardize their friendship. As they open up, they do discover that this difficult conversation brings them closer together. 

This production is hosted by New Covenant's Social Justice Initiative. Tickets are required ($15).

Bargains & Blessings Truck Next Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next weekend (February 1 & 2) before worship services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry.

If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

Gifts

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7)

Tithing, in the eyes of some people, is not an investment; it’s throwing money away. No tangible asset comes from tithing, no monthly statement of earnings and dividends, no fancy charts showing your equity position, and no deeds or mortgages. The yearly statement of giving for our tax return is our only tangible return from tithing. Christ continues to provide our daily bread which is a tangible but He also continues to provide the intangible of his continual spiritual presence that guides our daily lives. The power of Jesus’ tangibles and intangibles are provisions that sustain us each day. Let us be grateful to give back to Him who is the Creator of both.  

Legacy Giving

Less than two percent of people leave anything in their will or trust to their church. 

2024 Contribution Statements and Impact Report

I want to thank you for another fantastic year. We have accomplished tremendous things for the Kingdom of God through your Christian commitment, stewardship, and support. As stated in our vision statement, we are “to be a thriving body of Christ by being His hands, feet, and voice in the world.” As indicated in our Ministry Impact Report, you can see we continue to live into that vision. Because of your faithful giving, thousands of lives continue to be positively impacted and significantly influenced. 

Rev. Harold Hendren, Senior Pastor

Your contribution statement has been emailed if you have an email address in our system. If you do not receive your email, please check your spam folder. We are now mailing out letters for those who do not have emails in our system. For those of you who would like to access your contribution statement earlier, please click the button below for a tutorial on how to access your portal and print your own contribution statement. This year, the Finance Committee has determined that contribution statements will be sent out to those with annual contributions of $500 or more. 

You will also receive a stewardship letter and a Ministry Impact Report celebrating some of the highlights from this past year.

If you have any questions, please visit the Computer Center after worship services and see Linda Stubits in the Finance Office.

California Wildfire Relief

If you would like to make a donation toward the wildfires in California, a special fund has been set up — the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week. 

Check donations should be payable to the California-Pacific Conference and mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Our hearts and prayers continue to be with those in need.

New Members

We welcomed these new members into our family this past weekend.

Symphonic Winds

Sunday, February 2 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

This concert will welcome our new Conductor, Lewis Buckley to our podium for the first time. Mr. Buckley is the Conductor Laureate of The U.S. Coast Guard Band, the organization he was associated with for his entire 35 year military career. The program will feature an exciting cross-section of wind band literature, from two famous marches (The Billboard and The Klaxon) to selections from West Side Story. In between, the listener will hear everything from Frank Ticheli's exciting Sun Dance, Howard Hanson's gorgeous Chorale and Alleluia, Gabriel's Oboe (a beautiful trumpet solo performed by Principal Trumpeter Greg Weber), to famous movie theme marches by multiple Oscar-winning film composer John Williams. Please join us in welcoming our new Conductor to his first concert with us!

Tickets are required ($20).

The Choralettes present “Spices and Spouses”

Tuesday, February 18 at 6 PM

Join The Choralettes as they present “Spices and Spouses,” a musical tribute to all the special people who fill our lives with friendship and love. At this very special concert, we will also be honoring the memory of our dearly departed founding director, Joan Weintraub. Come, reflect and remember, listen and sing along with the Choralettes for a heart-warming evening of music! 

This concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be collected for our continuing New Covenant ministries.

Women’s Monthly Program (February 2025)

Thursday, February 20, from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Destination: Eternity — Journey of a Lifetime!

We ask: Where, exactly are we going? How should we prepare? How many seats are available and when does the train leave? Notice, the ticket clearly says, “One-way, making preparation essential.” We cannot leave “things” left undone, and we’re not talking dirty dishes in the sink. Phyllis Sommerman will guide us in preparing our hearts and our homes. Following, Marilyn Anell will share Biblical evidence and written testimonies of individuals that tell us — Heaven is for REAL. Your and your traveling companions will find encouragement and direction.  

Menu: Italian Cheddar Baked Chicken Breast, Wild Rice Pilaf, Italian Vegetable Blend, Dinner Rolls, and Carrot Layer Cake.

Registration is required ($10). For more information, please contact Pat Hill.

The Kramers Return to New Covenant!

Sunday, February 23 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Join us for an unforgettable evening of worship and music. This talented family will also minister during our Sunday 9 AM and 11 AM worship services.

When God’s gifting, anointing, and calling converge in one family, powerful ministry happens. The Kramers are known for their exceptional musical excellence and their passion for leading others to know Jesus Christ as Savior. Their music reflects not only their love for the Lord but also their genuine care for all who attend their concerts.

From Rachel’s soaring soprano voice to Maria’s tender delivery of heartfelt lyrics, combined with smooth family harmonies, The Kramers create an unforgettable experience of worship. Their ministry has gained national recognition, including a nomination for the Singing News Fan Awards’ 2020 New Artist of the Year. Their latest album, Soli Deo Gloria, showcases a wide range of musical styles, from touching ballads to awe-inspiring orchestrations.

Come and be blessed by their uplifting music, personal testimonies, and the life-changing message of the gospel. Don’t miss this opportunity to worship together with The Kramers and invite others to experience the hope and joy found in Christ. We look forward to seeing you there!

This concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be collected

Bands of the Villages Ensemble Concert

Thursday, February 27 at 7 PM

The Bands of The Villages will be presenting an unforgettable combined Ensemble Concert. At this very special concert you will hear six of The Villages Bands coming together to showcase the rich and vibrant sounds of flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, and horns. This includes the Trumpet Ensemble; led by Dave Czohara, Horns Aplenty; led by Don Brannon, Saxations; led by Harl Hoffman, Carinet Connexion; led by Paul Vargas as well as the Flute Choir and Flute Fanatics; both under the baton of Linda Quinn. 

Experience an evening of musical brilliance as each ensemble brings its unique charm to the stage, celebrating the artistry and harmony of these beloved instruments. Don’t miss this captivating performance!

Tickets are required ($20).

Bargains & Blessings Schedulers Needed 

Schedulers are needed at our Bargains & Blessings Resale Store to schedule donations pick-ups.  Training will be provided; a computer is required.  You would access voicemails from your home, return the call on a private telephone number, determine the donations, and record the pickup on a computer template.

Schedulers are needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and throughout a day to schedule for the day (or half day) by checking the voicemails every half hour.  Please contact Nait Armstrong or stop in the office at Bargains & Blessings.  This is a fun and rewarding opportunity.

Our Children Need You!

At New Covenant, we believe in surrounding our children in a loving and caring community where all can be nurtured and encouraged in a Christ-centered environment. We offer nursery during Sunday morning worship from 9 -10 AM and from 11 AM - 12 PM for children ages infant up to third grade.

If you love and enjoy children, we need you!  Please consider volunteering in our children’s ministry to help enrich the lives our children. If you are interested, please contact Kylie Elstad, Student Ministry Coordinator for information. A background check provided by the church is required.

We “Care”

Recently we have had several hospitalizations or procedures that we found out about after the event. Our Care department truly wants to care for our congregants and extended community, but we cannot do that without your help! Please contact the church if you or someone in your household is having a procedure, surgery, or hospitalization. We would also appreciate you having a good friend or neighbor designated if you encounter an emergency.

Ike & Harolyn Beasley

Debbie Carpenter 

Gary Jon Cooper

Peggy Dresser

Greg Gerstner 

Cindy LaDow

Prayer Quilt

Gay Lynn, who recently lost her husband.

Pauline, who suffers with anxiety and depression.

Robert, who is suffering a reoccurrence of cancer.

Susan, successful recovery from surgery.

Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people facing difficult situations. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.

Altar Flowers

Flower orders must be received by noon on Tuesday for flowers to be delivered that weekend. To place an order for altar flowers, please contact Ginny Davis, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.